Modern Slavery Policy

Introduction

Founded in 2013, Minerva is an executive search and leadership advisory business focussed primarily on Arts and Culture, Higher Education, Schools, and Third Sector, with national and international clients and candidates.  We commit to the highest standards of professionalism in our work.

Minerva acknowledge that modern slavery constitutes an international crime and a breach of fundamental human rights.

This aim of this policy is to ensure Minerva acts in accordance with The Modern Slavery Act (MSA) 2015, which covers four activities:

Slavery: Exercising powers of ownership over a person

Servitude: The obligation to provide services is imposed by the use of coercion

Forced or compulsory labour: Work or services are exacted from a person under the menace of any penalty and for which the person has not offered themselves voluntarily

Human trafficking: arranging or facilitating the travel of another person with a view to their exploitation

This policy covers all four activities.

Policy

Minerva has a zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery.
We are committed to acting ethically and with integrity in all our business dealings and relationships as well as to implementing and enforcing effective systems and controls to ensure modern slavery is not taking place within the business.
We also expect the same high standards from all our contractors, suppliers and other business partners.

Responsibilities:
Minerva employees have a responsibility to ensure that fellow workers are safeguarded, treated fairly and with dignity.

Minerva will:
• Maintain clear policies and procedures preventing exploitation and human trafficking and protecting our employees and reputation;
• Ensure we have in place an open and transparent grievance process for all employees;
• Be clear about our recruitment policy.

Employees will:
• Listen and be approachable to colleagues;
• Respond appropriately if they are told something that might indicate a colleague is in an exploitative situation;
• Raise the awareness of all employees and ensure all employees are provided with a copy of this policy and are aware of their responsibilities.

Procedures

Minerva ensures that:
• All staff have a written contract of employment;
• All staff are legally able to work in the UK;
• All new recruits receive information on their statutory rights including sick pay, holiday pay and any other benefits they may be entitled to.

Training
• Minerva ensures that all employees are made aware of this policy, and their obligation to comply with this policy.

Monitoring our procedures
• We will review our Modern Slavery Policy regularly and will provide information and/or training on any changes we make.

Approved by:

Ben Tucker, Partner, Minerva

Kerry Shepherd, Partner, Minerva